Krul Voices Support for Howe Amid Newcastle’s Premier League Struggles

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul, who dedicated 11 years to the senior team at St. James’ Park, has commented on the Magpies’ disappointing performance in the Premier League this season. Following their recent 3-1 defeat against Brentford, Newcastle finds itself struggling in the lower half of the league table. Krul acknowledges the urgent need for improvement but expresses full confidence in manager Eddie Howe’s capacity to rectify the situation.

Howe himself has been critical of his players after their loss to West Ham earlier this month, questioning their mentality. He remarked, “The dynamism wasn’t there. The physicality and the energy were missing. We scored early and could have taken control of the game, but instead, we let it slip away. The performance did not resemble the Newcastle team we have seen in recent years. The body language and collective spirit on the pitch were lacking; many small factors contributed to our mental shortcomings.”

Reflecting on the Magpies’ current run of form, Krul stated to Sky Sports, “We are a few points above the relegation zone, so this certainly feels like a mini-crisis for the club. However, I trust that the management understands the challenges we face this season. We are in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup and competing well in the Champions League.

“Certainly, in the Premier League, they need to find their rhythm. Our wingers and midfielders need to start contributing goals. Injuries have significantly impacted us, especially the absences of players like Livramento and Lewis Hall. The lack of attacking impetus from our full-backs has also contributed to our struggles, but Eddie will be the first to acknowledge that our domestic form must improve.”

Further expressing his support for Howe, Krul remarked, “I am a strong admirer of Eddie; he has fundamentally transformed the club and elevated expectations among fans. He is destined to be one of the legendary managers in the history of this club. While some criticism may be warranted—especially considering the lack of away victories since April—I believe that if you asked any fan a few years ago if they would take a trophy and a shot at the Champions League, they would have eagerly accepted that vision.”

Despite their domestic challenges, Newcastle’s performance in the Champions League has been commendable. Currently positioned sixth in the league stage table with nine points, they secured significant victories against Union Saint-Gilloise, Benfica, and Athletic Club, following a narrow defeat to Barcelona. Their latest triumph, a 2-0 win over Athletic Club, has placed them above 15-time winners Real Madrid and reigning Premier League champions Liverpool.

As the international break approaches, Howe will prepare his squad for a crucial home match against second-placed Manchester City, scheduled for November 22, just three days before their next Champions League fixture against Marseille.